Top 25 Players to Watch in Women's March Madness 2026

The Excitement Builds for March Madness

With the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament just around the corner, anticipation is at its peak! This time of year is not just about teams battling for the championship; it's also about the individual stars who shine brightly on the court. Fans will soon witness incredible performances, unforgettable moments, and surprising upsets. But who are the top players to keep an eye on?

Understanding the Rankings

In compiling this list, I took into account not only the players' statistics but also their impact on their respective teams. Each of these athletes has a unique skill set that can alter the outcome of a game, and several are expected to dominate the crucial moments in the tournament.

The NCAA Women's Tournament is a platform for showcasing talent, tenacity, and tactical supremacy, and each of these players is eager to make a mark.

Rankings Breakdown

1. Sarah Strong, UConn

Forward | 6-foot-2 | Sophomore

Strong leads the pack with her impressive stats and undeniable talent. Averaging 18.5 points per game, she is not just a prolific scorer but also a defensive powerhouse. Her ability to perform under pressure, as seen during last year's championship run, marks her as a player to watch.

2. Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt

Guard | 5-8 | Sophomore

Blakes has transformed Vanderbilt's program, becoming a scoring machine with 27.0 points per game. Her versatility and ability to dominate on both ends of the court make her a nightmare for defenders.

3. Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame

Guard | 5-6 | Junior

With an impressive scoring average of 25.2 points and a defense-first mentality, Hidalgo has solidified her reputation as one of the best two-way players in women's collegiate basketball.

4. Azzi Fudd, UConn

Guard | 5-11 | Senior

The national champion and recent standout in the Final Four, Fudd's ability to shoot the three-ball, coupled with her defensive prowess, keeps her poised for greatness.

5. Madison Booker, Texas

Forward | 6-1 | Junior

Continuously leading her team, Booker has climbed to the top of the rankings for a reason. Her all-around skills as both a scorer and an excellent rebounder make her integral to Texas' championship hopes.

Emerging Stars

This year's player rankings are not limited to established talents. New faces are rising up the charts, signaling a shift in the established hierarchy.

• Jaloni Cambridge, Ohio State: An explosive talent, she's risen sharply in the rankings due to her scoring capabilities.
• Lauren Betts, UCLA: Her mix of size and skills has made her one of the most formidable centers in the league.

The Importance of Team Depth

Even the top-ranked players need strong supporting casts to advance deep into the tournament. The balance and depth of teams like South Carolina and LSU are crucial as they are loaded with talent. This makes ranking individual players somewhat tricky, as their contributions can be equally split across several key players.

As we dive into March Madness, keep your eyes peeled for these standout players and the impact they will have on their teams' successes. Who will rise to the occasion, making memories in the tournament's high-stakes environment? Join me as we discover the heroes of this year's women's tournament!